On Sunday, February 07, 2016 at approximately 2:00 p.m., members of the Special Enforcement Bureau – Tactical Dive Team with the assistance of the Los Angeles Port Police, the Long Beach Police Department and L.A. County Lifeguards, recovered wreckage of one plane and remains of two victims. The recovery was made approximately two miles outside the Los Angeles and Long Beach Ports in the Los Angeles County water.

A surface area search was conducted throughout the day on Sunday by Sheriff’s Department Air Rescue 5 personnel and numerous Sheriff’s Department boats. The search efforts were primarily underwater operations, utilizing three different types of sonar devices to search the ocean floor for wreckage. Remotely operated underwater vehicles (ROV) were also deployed, along with divers. During this remote search, wreckage of one plane and two victims were located in 105 feet deep water.

It is believed two aircrafts were involved in a mid-air collision, though this cannot be confirmed until further investigation has been completed.

The search effort was concluded for today and will resume tomorrow morning.

The identity of the victims is unknown at this time. The two victims will be identified by the Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner – Coroner personnel. The Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner – Coroner will be handling any inquiries regarding the identity of the victims’ remain.

About Tim Gore

I've been a scanner enthusiast since 1989 and a ham radio operator since 1995.